once

once · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    On one occasion or for one time only.

  2. 2.

    At some time in the past; formerly.

  3. 3.

    Multiplied by one.

  4. 4.

    As soon as; when.

Related words

Antonyms: always, never
See also: again, former, one, twice
Synonyms: formerly, one time, previously

Etymology

From Middle English ones, genitive form of one, originally meaning "for one time" or "in one case." The adverbial genitive ending -es became -ce in pronunciation and spelling, similar to twice and thrice. The spelling with 'c' was influenced by the Latin-derived -ce ending.